firing squad

noun

Definition of firing squadnext
as in rear guard

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of firing squad Frenzied congressional gerrymandering across the states has become a circular firing squad. — Jim Nowlan, Chicago Tribune, 20 May 2026 Seven executions have been carried out in the state since capital punishment was resumed, including three men who chose to die by firing squad. — Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 6 May 2026 This Democratic circular firing squad could continue right up to Election Day on June 2. — Daniel Borenstein, Mercury News, 5 May 2026 Executions then resumed in 1977, when double murderer Gary Gilmore was put to death by firing squad. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for firing squad
Recent Examples of Synonyms for firing squad
  1. rear guard
  2. patrol
  3. picket
  4. outpost
  5. sentry
  6. watch
Noun
  • Optional extras include alarm/geolocation, a retractable rear guard rail, a canopy, and custom setups for family or cargo.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 6 July 2026
  • Any suggestions that Lionel Messi’s presence at the 2026 World Cup might be diminished crumbled on Tuesday night with Algeria’s rear guard.
    — Ian Nicholas Quillen, Forbes.com, 17 June 2026
Definition of rear guard
Noun
  • Ukraine's Zelenskyy also said the country's armed forces had responded to Russian attacks on ships in the Black Sea by striking two military patrol boats and shadow fleet vessels.
    — Sam Meredith, CNBC, 6 Aug. 2026
  • As officers were examining the shooting site, a separate patrol unit stopped a speeding white 2019 BMW 330i near South 11th and Keyes streets and discovered one of the occupants was the third victim, a man who had been shot in the arm.
    — Robert Salonga, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of patrol
Noun
  • Wednesday’s picket comes as legislators returned to session earlier this week.
    — Corey Schmidt, Sacbee.com, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Whether in rural towns or sprawling cities, activists who can mobilize citizens to flood council meetings and hold picket signs are finding success.
    — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 16 July 2026
Definition of picket
Noun
  • Throughout the conflict, the Hmeimem air base and the Tartus naval base were key Russian military outposts in the eastern Mediterranean.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Elizabeth Mulholland is set to take on the role of senior director at David Zwirner Gallery’s Los Angeles outpost, according to ARTnews.
    — News Desk, Artforum, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of outpost
Noun
  • In humans, traits such as neuroticism and recklessness appear to have some evolutionary basis—emerging perhaps to provide our species with sentries who alerted us to threats, and with explorers who led the way to new food sources.
    — Vann R. Newkirk II, The Atlantic, 28 July 2026
  • From Newt's family making first contact with a Facehugger to a wonderfully tense sentry gun sequence, Cameron's extra footage enhances a classic.
    — Richard Edwards, Space.com, 17 July 2026
Definition of sentry
Noun
  • On October 12, 2025, armed and masked thieves broke into the museum and made off with cash from the register and at least one watch.
    — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Ben Cook, a New York creator who posts about watches on TikTok, uses his Meta smart glasses to listen to music on runs and take hands-free calls.
    — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of watch

Browse Nearby Words

firings
firing squad
firing squads
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Cite this Entry

“Firing squad.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/firing%20squad. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

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